Whilst backpacking, no matter where you are in the world or which hostel you’re staying in, you’ll almost always come across the same travellers, each one living up to a classic stereotype.
Whether it’s the hippie with the guitar, the blogger with the expensive camera or the socialite with the hangover, we’ve all run into these guys at one time or another.
So we’ve decided to lay everything out on the table and show you what to expect in stereotypical backpacker’s bags and what they count amongst their travel essentials!
The Flash Packer
The backpacker without a budget. They’re the one that travels in style, eats the most expensive food and stays in a private room rather than bunking in a 12-person dorm.
Easily recognisable by their expensive gear, expect them to be constantly attached to their iPad or MacBook when they’re not out adventuring.
And when they are out and about, don’t expect them to have their nose in a guidebook, they are more likely using Google Maps on their iPhone and incurring roaming charges that only the Flash Packer can afford.
What’s in their bag?
- MacBook
- Laptop Case
- iPhone 6
- iPad Mini
- Go Pro + Gorilla Pod
- Headphones
- Digital SLR + Lens
- Numerous chargers
- Travel adaptors
- Nice watch
The Blogger
The Blogger is notable by their high-tech, extravagant camera and habit of documenting every little thing, whether it’s what they are eating for breakfast that morning, the view from their room or what they have decided to wear for their next jaunt into the city.
At the end of the day, whilst the rest of us unwind with a glass of wine or a cold beer, the bloggers around us are uploading photographs captured that day to their computer and writing a new post for their blog.
Find The Blogger in the common area of any hostel taking photographs and hogging the free Wi-Fi.
What’s in their bag?
- Backpack
- Laptop – usually a MacBook
- SLR Camera
- iPhone
- Notepad + Pen/ Pencil
- GoPro + Gorilla Pod + Case
- Travel adaptor
- USB
- Hard drive
- Selfie stick
The Planner
Prepared for every occasion, The Planner is always making new itineraries for everywhere they visit. They’ve researched every nook and cranny of their current location and know every cultural heritage point, every place to eat and the most efficient way of getting from A to B.
This is reflected in the way they pack their bag, from a waterproof poncho and an extra pair of socks, to a flashlight and an extra pair of shoelaces. Because they never quite know what they’ll encounter, they are prepared for all circumstances. The Planner is organised, and tagging along with them means you’ll never miss a beat.
What’s in their bag?
- Compact Camera
- Smartphone
- Waterproof
- Flashlight
- Penknife
- Note Book + pens
- Toilet paper
- Spare shoelace
- Spare socks
- Batteries
- Watch
- Sunglasses
- Padlocks
- Keychain
- Wallet / Purse
- Guide Book, Map, Phrase Book
The Spiritualist
Join this intrepid soul around the fire (or communal area) for a round of sing-a-longs and personal reflection. The Spiritualist is on a journey to ‘find themselves’ and as such carries very little in their bag.
This person is usually in desperate need of a shower and has decided to grow deadlocks (in reality, it’s because they haven’t taken a comb to their hair in months).
Expect to hear constant clichés, chanting, and stories from their spiritual trips and experiences. There might also be an overwhelming smell of incense that has permeated their skin and clothes.
What’s in their bag?
- Satchel
- Film Camera
- Old Phone
- Ukulele
- Incense
- Lighter / Rolling Tobacco
- Second hand copy of ‘Eat Pray Love’
- Borrowed ‘Beginners Guide to Buddhism’
The Hypochondriac
A pill and a lotion for every ailment known to man, the Hypochondriac won’t leave the hostel without packing their bag with everything they need to ward off the great plague and every illness in between.
Not the easiest person to travel with, as you’ll always have to be mindful of their worries. They are, however, extremely useful in a situation where you might need something from their arsenal of medication!
What’s in their bag?
- Wet wipes
- Deodorant
- Dry shampoo
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Heavy duty moisturiser for plane travel
- First aid kit / bandages
- Deep heat
- Paracetamol
- Insect repellent
- Supplements
- Toothbrush
- Glasses Case / Glasses / Contacts / Solution
What’s In Your Bag?
We want to hear from all of you travellers out there. Send us a flat lay picture of the contents of your bag via Twitter, and we’ll create a blog post with the best ones. Alternatively, did we miss any stereotypical backpackers you may have encountered on your travels, let us know and we’ll add them in!
